About Us

Welcome to the Solent Language Hub: Inspiring Futures Through Languages

At the Solent Language Hub, we are passionate about shaping the future of language education. As one of 15 designated language hubs in England, we are proud to lead a collaborative network of schools, colleges, and educators dedicated to enhancing language teaching and learning across Portsmouth. Our mission is to foster excellence in pedagogy, drive student engagement, and promote a lifelong love for languages.

Rebecca Britti
Curriculum Director of Languages at ALNS and Specialist Lead Teacher of the Hub

Rebecca Britti

I have a degree in both French and German and bring over 20 years of teaching experience to my role. As a Head of Department for 14 years, I've played a key role in enhancing and expanding our languages faculty. Throughout my career, I've been dedicated to fostering growth and improvement, delivering CPD and actively supporting colleagues in Portsmouth.

Aamir Kohli
Curriculum Director of Languages at Trafalgar School and Specalist Lead Teacher of the Hub

Aamir Kohli

I am a teacher with over 15 years of experience with a degree in French and linguistics. I am a speaker of French, English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. In my role as the Director of MFL at Trafalgar School, I have successfully developed my languages department, implemented impactful curriculum changes, and promoted diversity. Throughout my career, I have consistently displayed a fervent passion for enhancing student outcomes, emphasising individualised support, and championing language success.

Nys Harding
Chief Executive Officer of Salterns Trust and Hub Lead
Elle Smith
Finance, Business and Communications Officer of Salterns Trust and Hub Co-ordinator
Liz Lord
Primary Lead

What We Do

1. Supporting Pedagogy: Innovative Approaches to Teaching

We empower educators with cutting-edge strategies and resources to transform language classrooms. From bespoke CPD sessions on the new GCSE specifications to workshops on integrating AI and authentic cultural experiences into lessons, we equip teachers with tools to create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning environments. By sharing best practices and fostering collaboration, we ensure that educators feel supported and inspired.

 

2. Focusing on Engagement and Motivation

Engaging students in language learning is at the heart of what we do. Through immersive cultural events, creative teaching initiatives, and enrichment programs, we bring languages to life for learners. From interactive activities like cooking sessions to school-wide celebrations of multilingualism, we connect students with the rich and diverse world that languages open up.

 

3. Promoting Uptake: Building Bridges to the Future

We are committed to reversing the decline in language uptake by demonstrating the relevance and value of multilingual skills. By fostering partnerships with universities, local authorities, and international organisations, we showcase the real-world opportunities that language learning provides. Outreach events and taster sessions with post-16 institutions inspire students across Portsmouth to pursue languages at higher levels and beyond.

 

4. Reverse the Decline in the Study of German

With targeted support and campaigns in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut, we are taking bold steps to reinvigorate interest and participation in learning German. Working closely with the National Centre for Language Excellence (NCLE), we deliver specialized workshops, cultural experiences, and resources to highlight the unique benefits of studying German and its importance in the modern world.

 

5. Improving Outcomes: Raising Standards Together

Our data-driven approach identifies priorities for improvement and tailors support to meet the unique needs of our partner schools. Through one-on-one action planning, targeted interventions, and ongoing collaboration, we are committed to helping every student in Portsmouth achieve their potential in languages.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to:

  • Foster Excellence in Pedagogy by equipping educators with innovative tools and resources.

  • Engage and Motivate Learners through creative and immersive experiences.

  • Promote the Uptake of Languages by showcasing their real-world relevance and opportunities.

  • Improve Outcomes for every student by providing tailored support to schools.

By achieving these goals, we aim to inspire a lifelong love for languages, empower students to succeed in a globalised world, and position Portsmouth as a leading hub for exceptional language education.

 

Vision Statement

Welcome to the Solent Language Hub in Portsmouth, where linguistic exploration meets collaborative education! As a beacon for languages, we proudly partner with nine different secondary schools, fostering a community of shared knowledge and cultural appreciation. Recently awarded Lead Hub School status, we are committed to evolving alongside our partners, including local primary schools, to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. At Solent Language Hub, we envision a vibrant and inclusive community where language serves as a bridge connecting individuals across cultures, fostering understanding, collaboration, and personal growth. Our goal is to be a dynamic hub, promoting linguistic diversity, effective communication, and cultural exchange. We work collaboratively, collegially and creatively to develop and support a sustainable network of language teachers to increase language uptake post-14 and post-16, while recognising the value of all languages in our communities.

 

About the NCLE

What is the NCLE? The mission of the National Consortium for Languages Education (NCLE), is to lead a national transformation in language education across England. They are committed to supporting schools in realising the following strategic aims:

  • Encourage High-Quality Language Teaching in Schools: NCLE works to ensure teachers have the resources, training, and networks needed to deliver engaging and effective language instruction.

  • Increase Languages Uptake at GCSE: By promoting the benefits of language learning, The NCLE aims to inspire more students to continue studying languages at the GCSE level and beyond.

  • Support Levelling-Up Opportunities for Disadvantaged Students: The NCLE prioritises initiatives that make language learning accessible to all students, ensuring that socio-economic barriers do not hinder their opportunities.

  • Reverse the Decline in the Study of German: With targeted support and campaigns in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut, the NCLE are taking steps to reinvigorate interest and participation in learning German.

  • Address the Performance of Boys: NCLE is focused on understanding and addressing the challenges boys face in language learning, working towards closing the gender performance gap.

  • Better Recognise and Support the Rich Diversity of Home, Heritage, and Community Languages in Schools: The NCLE celebrates the linguistic diversity present in schools and provide resources and recognition to support the integration of home and heritage languages into the learning environment.

Through a network of Language Hubs across the country, the NCLE connects schools with regional expertise to share best practices, enhance teacher professional development, and foster a love for languages among students. Together, we aim to build a future where language learning is a vibrant and inclusive part of every student’s education​.